How much water should come out when draining a water heater?

• <div><p>The average water heater holds between 40 and 60 gallons, but the exact amount of water that comes out during draining will depend on your unit’s capacity. The amount of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-drain-water-heater.htm">time it takes to drain a water heater</a> averages from 10 to 30 minutes.</p></div>

Can a water heater element be replaced without draining the tank?

• <div><p>No, you’ll need to drain the tank before changing a water heater element, as the water heater element sticks through the side of the tank and uses a gasket to prevent water from pouring out. However, you don’t always need to drain it completely. If you’re only replacing the upper heating element, you can drain the tank until the water line is below the element. If you’re replacing the lower element, you’ll need to drain the whole thing. </p></div>

How much does water expand in a water heater?

• <div><p>Water expands when heated and also when freezing. When water is heated, it expands by around 4%. For a full water heater, this is one of the main reasons malfunctions occur—the hot water has nowhere else to go but out. Due to the constant expansion and reduction in volume, it’s recommended (required in most places) that an expansion tank be installed. </p></div>

Best water heater pros near Manly, IA

Q: What other home improvement projects should I consider doing at the same time as installing a new furnace to improve energy efficiency?

• <div><p>When installing a new furnace, it's a good time to consider other projects that can enhance your home's energy efficiency. A great first step is to get a home energy audit, which will identify areas for improvement. Common recommendations include sealing or replacing windows and adding insulation to the attic. These upgrades can help you save money on monthly utility costs. You might also consider installing a smart thermostat to make heating your home more convenient and efficient.</p></div>

Q: How much do different types of water heaters cost?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s important to find the type of water heater that fits your needs and budget. Depending on the type of water heater, size, brand, and the type of energy you use to heat the water, costs range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Some of the most common types of water heaters include:</p><ul><li><p>Electric: $600&ndash;3,500</p></li><li><p>Gas: $700&ndash;$2,700</p></li><li><p>Propane: $700&ndash;$2,500</p></li><li><p>High efficiency: $1,500&ndash;$3,000</p></li><li><p>Indirect: $1,200&ndash;$3,500</p></li><li><p>Hybrid heat pump: $1,200&ndash;$3,500</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Can a water heater element be replaced without draining the tank?

• <div><p>No, you&rsquo;ll need to drain the tank before changing a water heater element, as the water heater element sticks through the side of the tank and uses a gasket to prevent water from pouring out. However, you don&rsquo;t always need to drain it completely. If you&rsquo;re only replacing the upper heating element, you can drain the tank until the water line is below the element. If you&rsquo;re replacing the lower element, you&rsquo;ll need to drain the whole thing. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Manly, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Manly, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

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Last update on March 24, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
Tyson did an excellent job—professional, efficient, and thorough. He arrived when he said he would and completed the work in short order. I couldn't be happier with the results! He worked on copper tubing installation on cinderblock, providing an elegant solution using Unistrut and proper...
Ursidae Mechanical LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
Our installer, Levi L., did a fantastic job on our new shower. It is beautiful. The bathroom and surrounding area was perfectly clean when he was done. He answered all of our questions and made sure we understood the paper work at the finish. Very friendly and polite. I would recommend him to...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in July 2022
Very thorough, methodical Power wash of house made a great difference in appearance of housr
American Power Washing, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2021
He tired selling me a 15k drainage unit with spending less then 5 minutes in my basement. The tech named Ryan tried telling me I had above 20% moisture in my dry wall up to 2 ft and higher in my basement, tired telling me I had mold and I needed to install a 15k drainage unit right away. I had a...
American Waterworks
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Reviewed in December 2014
Best service ever! Polite, on time, knowledgeable, honest and amazing customer service! You cannot go wrong if you hire George Parks with Clear and Pure Water. He was so helpful in every step of the process. He was the only one that listened to what we needed and wasn��t there to just sell us...
Clear and Pure Water
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Reviewed in October 2014
My stand pipe backed up last night, water all over my laundry room. Called Josh early this morning, here by 9:00 a.m. Accomplished job promptly and effectively. Clean worksite when done, respectful attitude, <br />
A-1 Drain & Sewer Cleaning
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Reviewed in December 2013
NGave estimate based on less than exact specifications from wife and I. Broke cement floor to install new sewer and drain lines.Replaced cement,installed all fixtures and plumbing for new 4 piece bath. Gave advice and explained state and local code requirements. He stayed within budget and fixed...
Bretts Drain Service
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Reviewed in July 2012
They did this while I was on vacation and left a signficant mess in the house. I called and the owner did not offer to come and clean it up. Two years after the work was done, a transformer failed. I called Linahon and they came to check it out. The transformer that was installed was way too...
LINAHON ELECTRIC INC
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Reviewed in May 2011
Very well. They were prompt in their service and willing to answer any questions that I had. Since there was no heat one night, they offered electrical heaters for my comfort. The boiler had a couple of problems when first installed, and Schroeder's crew was to our house quickly to make the...
Schroeder Plumbing & Heating Inc
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Top-Rated Water heater pros in Manly - Updated Nov 2026

Ursidae Mechanical LLC

5.0(

)

Tankless Water Heater - RepairWater Heater - Repair or ServiceWater Heater - Repair or Service - For Business

Serving Manly, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Tyson did an excellent job—professional, efficient, and thorough. He arrived when he said he would and completed the work in short order. I couldn't be happier with the results! He worked on copper tubing installation on cinderblock, providing an elegant solution using Unistrut and proper hardware. He also handled the water heater installation, assisted with installing a new toilet, and set up the stub-out for a new shower. Additionally, he helped extend 1-inch propane black pipe for in-building services. Highly recommend Tyson for quality workmanship and reliability!"

Response time7 hrs

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Manly, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"We pay yearly but we have this is included with our rental property. They are pretty good on most things. We had a hot water heater replaced and they did an excellent job on that. They are very quick on their response. They dont come out here. It is all done on the internet. I just like the idea that one time service charge is so much better than trying to hiring someone to come in. It is more about convenience. It pays for itself."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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K & C Electric, Plumbing & HVAC, Inc.

5.0(

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Manly, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1967

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

K & C Electric, Plumbing & HVAC, Inc., take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time10 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Fischer Family Services LLC

5.0(

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Manly, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your estimate today!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Water Heaters FAQs, answered by experts

The average water heater holds between 40 and 60 gallons, but the exact amount of water that comes out during draining will depend on your unit’s capacity. The amount of time it takes to drain a water heater averages from 10 to 30 minutes.

When installing a new furnace, it's a good time to consider other projects that can enhance your home's energy efficiency. A great first step is to get a home energy audit, which will identify areas for improvement. Common recommendations include sealing or replacing windows and adding insulation to the attic. These upgrades can help you save money on monthly utility costs. You might also consider installing a smart thermostat to make heating your home more convenient and efficient.

It’s important to find the type of water heater that fits your needs and budget. Depending on the type of water heater, size, brand, and the type of energy you use to heat the water, costs range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Some of the most common types of water heaters include:

Electric: $600–3,500
Gas: $700–$2,700
Propane: $700–$2,500
High efficiency: $1,500–$3,000
Indirect: $1,200–$3,500
Hybrid heat pump: $1,200–$3,500

No, you’ll need to drain the tank before changing a water heater element, as the water heater element sticks through the side of the tank and uses a gasket to prevent water from pouring out. However, you don’t always need to drain it completely. If you’re only replacing the upper heating element, you can drain the tank until the water line is below the element. If you’re replacing the lower element, you’ll need to drain the whole thing.

Water expands when heated and also when freezing. When water is heated, it expands by around 4%. For a full water heater, this is one of the main reasons malfunctions occur—the hot water has nowhere else to go but out. Due to the constant expansion and reduction in volume, it’s recommended (required in most places) that an expansion tank be installed.

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